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A dynamic molecular sunscreen for perovskite solar cells

Researchers introduce a photoisomeric additive that anchors mobile ions and stabilizes the material during UV exposure, improving device performance. The study shows improved film quality, reduced degradation, and enhanced power conversion efficiency.

SourceResearch·JournalResearch·TypeNews article·DateJun 2, 2026

Turning used coffee grounds into green insulation

A new study transforms spent coffee grounds into a high-performance, biodegradable thermal insulation material with potential applications in buildings and packaging. The material achieved comparable thermal conductivity to commercial expanded polystyrene and showed biodegradability under enzyme treatment.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

A new way to build chips: Sequentially stacking silicon to extend Moore’s law

Researchers at University of Illinois have developed a new process to stack silicon layers, enabling faster and more efficient chips. By sequentially building each layer on top of the previous one, they achieved high device performance across multiple tiers while meeting thermal constraints.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalNature·DateMay 29, 2026

Researchers use AI to discover new catalyst beyond material boundaries

A deep learning model combines knowledge from different catalyst families to identify a top-performing green hydrogen catalyst. The AI correctly predicted the activity ranking of 12 tested catalysts within a previously unexplored material family.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2026

Ultrafast microscopy method for optical processes

Researchers develop novel microscopy technique to study energy materials, revealing electronic and magnetic phenomena on femtosecond and picosecond timescales. The technique enables spatially resolved imaging of ultrafast electro-magnetic phenomena across large fields of view.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalNature Photonics·DateMay 28, 2026

The strange quantum property of tomorrow’s insulator

A European team has successfully observed the 'quantum metric' in a three-dimensional topological insulator, a unique geometric property that enables free electrical conductivity on its surface. This breakthrough could lead to better control of next-generation materials and pave the way for faster data transfer and superconductivity.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Materials·TypeNews article·DateMay 27, 2026
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Advanced materials: Research for safety over the lifecycle

The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment presents a strategic research agenda for safe advanced materials, covering areas like data collection and state-of-the-art laboratories equipment. The initiative aims to inform policy makers and innovators on regulatory relevant research needs for safer materials.

SourceBfR Federal Institute for Risk Assessment·DateMay 26, 2026

CityUHK discovers revolutionary surface design to transform thermal management and enables frictionless systems

A research team at CityUHK has designed a capillary structure that triggers the Leidenfrost effect, offering a practical solution for temperature-regulated heat transfer. The study reveals an ultra-low Leidenfrost point of 110°C, significantly reducing energy input and enabling frictionless motion applications.

SourceCommunications and Institutional Research Office, City University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Physics·DateMay 26, 2026
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Stressed crystal creates nanoscale patterns on chip materials at room temperature

Researchers at Rice University have developed a method to pattern chips with nanoscale structures at room temperature, opening up new possibilities for integrating light-based technologies into future devices. The technique uses anisotropic crystals to create patterns in hard materials like silica.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2026

Fungi transform unrecyclable building waste into low-carbon insulation

Researchers at the University of Bath discovered that a fungus can break down hard-to-recycle construction waste and turn it into sustainable insulation. The resulting biomaterial has comparable thermal performance to conventional insulation products with significantly lower carbon emissions.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 18, 2026
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Prickly pears show promise as the building materials of tomorrow

Researchers have discovered that prickly pear cactus fibers can be extracted and used to create sustainable composite materials. The fibers' natural structure provides a honeycomb-like support system, making them suitable for lightweight, low-load applications.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalJournal of Natural Fibers·DateMay 14, 2026

Smarter search for fuel-cell catalysts using machine learning

Researchers have developed a new computational workflow combining generative AI with atomistic simulations to identify promising platinum alloy catalyst structures for hydrogen fuel cells. The method produces high-performing candidates from several material combinations, addressing a longstanding challenge in catalyst design.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·Journalnpj Computational Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2026
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Scientists program materials just by spinning them

Researchers have developed a method to program metamaterials using rotation, enabling the global setting of memory in mechanical systems. By harnessing forces arising from a rotating platform, elastic beams can be made to snap between two stable states, allowing for the storage and retrieval of binary information.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 6, 2026

Recent advancements in the tribovoltaic effect for human motion energy harvesting and wearable self-powered sensing

Researchers developed a novel tribovoltaic effect-based strategy for human motion energy harvesting, enabling stable direct current output and simplifying system design. Advanced device designs enhance flexibility, durability, and adaptability to complex human motions, making it suitable for wearable applications.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalWearable Electronics·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 6, 2026
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Move over cassette tapes, adhesive tape has memory, too

Ordinary adhesive tape stores a sequence of multiple memories with tunable strength, allowing for simple mechanical calculations. Researchers developed an automated device to create these memories by peeling the tape past designated distances.

SourcePenn State·JournalNew Journal of Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 5, 2026

Scientists unlock new way to engineer next generation glass

Researchers fine-tune a new type of glass made from metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) that efficiently trap gases like CO2 and hydrogen. The discovery provides a new design framework for making customized MOF glasses with tailored properties, enabling applications in gas separation, chemical storage, and advanced coatings.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2026

The hidden structure behind a widely used class of materials

A team of researchers from MIT has directly characterized the three-dimensional atomic structure of a relaxor ferroelectric for the first time. This breakthrough provides a framework for refining models used to design next-generation computing, energy, and sensing devices.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateApr 30, 2026
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Scientists uncover new ‘in-between’ materials for solar fuels and batteries

Researchers identify previously unknown 'in-between' materials that can be used to design better solar fuels, batteries, and catalysis materials. The study reveals a series of hidden intermediate stages during heating, opening up new opportunities for material discovery and development.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2026

Direct Raman detection of ångström-scale ultrathin molecular layers at interfaces

Researchers have developed a coherent Raman spectroscopy method that directly detects ångström-scale molecular films at interfaces without plasmonic enhancement or electronic resonance. This approach suppresses strong substrate background signals, allowing for highly sensitive interfacial Raman spectroscopy.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2026
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

A new strategy for synthesizing polyfunctionalized biaryls without transition-metal catalysts

Researchers develop substrate design strategy to selectively promote benzidine-type sigmatropic rearrangement of nitroarenes, enabling efficient synthesis of polyfunctionalized biaryls. The method achieves high yields without expensive transition-metal catalysts or complex prefunctionalization.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 29, 2026

Toward tougher, longer-lasting, more sustainable tires

Harvard engineers develop new method to preserve long molecular chains in natural rubber, resulting in composite materials that are both stiff and tough. The innovation has the potential to cut waste, reduce tire dust pollution, and open new avenues for high-performance elastomers.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2026

Conquering the final frontiers in nanographene synthetic methodologies

Researchers have developed a new methodology for selective molecular transformations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), targeting the challenging L-region. This enables the creation of larger PAH structures and new nanographenes, increasing versatility in technological applications.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalChemical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2026
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Trapping light magic: MOF-derived nanoconfined hollow polyhedral photocatalyst

A novel MOF-derived nanoconfined hollow polyhedral bimetallic sulfide heterojunction exhibits enhanced light harvesting efficiency and promotes rapid tetracycline degradation, with a kinetic rate constant five times higher than pristine Ag2S. The material maintained over 90% efficiency in real water matrices.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalGreen Energy & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2026
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Mind the gap! Semiconductor industry is relying on the wrong materials

Researchers at TU Wien found that 2D materials are unsuitable for smaller electronic structures due to a tiny gap formed between the material and insulating layer. However, some materials can be combined with stronger bonds to eliminate this issue, potentially revolutionizing miniaturization steps.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 20, 2026

Water-soluble cellulose adhesive enables strong, reusable bonding across extreme conditions

Researchers have developed a water-soluble cellulose ethyl phosphite (CEP) adhesive that integrates high bonding strength, environmental tolerance, and recyclability. The CEP adhesive demonstrates remarkable thermal stability and resistance to moisture-related degradation, making it suitable for various applications.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2026
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Lead-free films sharpen MEMS harvesting

Researchers have developed a lead-free thin film that significantly improves the efficiency of microdevices in harvesting energy from ambient motion. The Mn-doped bismuth ferrite film exhibits stronger piezoelectric behavior, lower dielectric loss, and improved device-level performance.

SourceAerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalMicrosystems & Nanoengineering·DateApr 9, 2026

Bio-inspired structural design improves impact resistance and energy absorption

Researchers developed a lightweight lattice structure inspired by butterfly wings, exhibiting enhanced mechanical strength, impact resistance, and energy absorption capabilities. The new design outperforms conventional lattice designs under compression and dynamic impact loading.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalInternational Journal of Mechanical Sciences·DateApr 8, 2026

Microbial hockey

Researchers at ISTA's Materiali Molli Lab used E. coli bacteria to create an active bath that propelled sticky colloids into gel-like aggregates, rotating clockwise due to the bacteria's twisting motion. The study revealed that hydrodynamic interaction plays a key role in driving motion through the counter-rotation of body and flagella.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 7, 2026
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Review summarizes photocatalyst and biocatalyst for artificial photosynthesis

The review highlights the potential of semiartificial photosynthesis in overcoming natural photosynthesis limitations. Biocatalysts play a crucial role in this technology, enabling more efficient CO2 capture, utilization, and storage. The research aims to develop new catalysts for producing fuels and valuable substances from sunlight.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalChemical Reviews·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 5, 2026

Versatile, degradable polymers through novel domino polymerization

Researchers have created a novel monomer that allows for the synthesis of poly(disulfide)s with arbitrary side-chain structures through domino polymerization. The polymers exhibit degradability in reducing environments, including biological systems, making them suitable for drug delivery systems and medical applications.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2026

“Perfectly symmetrical” 2D perovskites boost energy transport

Rice University scientists have created a new type of two-dimensional semiconductor that exhibits no distortions, allowing for efficient energy transfer. The material's performance is an order of magnitude better than previously reported perovskites, making it suitable for applications such as solar cells and tandem devices.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Synthesis·DateApr 3, 2026

The depths of Neptune and Uranus may be “superionic”

Researchers discover quasi-one-dimensional superionic state of carbon hydride under extreme pressures and temperatures found deep inside ice giant planets. This finding has implications for heat and electricity movement through planetary interiors and could influence magnetic-field generation.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 3, 2026

Coffee waste transformed into high-performance, biodegradable insulation material

Researchers developed a biodegradable composite made from spent coffee grounds and natural polymer, offering strong thermal insulation while being environmentally sustainable. The new material has a thermal conductivity comparable to commercial expanded polystyrene and is fully derived from renewable resources.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 2, 2026
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Porous nanofibrils spun from supramolecules with intrinsic cavities

Researchers created a new type of microporous aerogel that overcomes limitations of conventional materials, enabling flexible and highly processable shapes. The material's flexibility arises from reversible van der Waals interactions between metal–organic polyhedra molecules.

SourceInstitute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences, Kyoto University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 1, 2026

From cells to smart gels: momentum in motion

Professor Timo Betz's project aims to develop synthetic materials that mimic key behaviors of living cells, including self-organization and physical adaptation. By studying the mechanical properties of living cells, he will recreate part of the cell's interior in a synthetic way.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·DateMar 31, 2026

Robots can’t feel; these sensors could change that

Researchers have developed a highly sensitive electronic 'skin' using tiny devices that can measure force applied over an area. This technology has the potential to improve prosthetic limbs and robotic manipulation, allowing robots to accurately track hand movements and grasp delicate objects.

SourcePenn State·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2026
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

AI agent accelerates catalyst discovery for sustainable fuel development

Researchers used AI to identify key characteristics of catalysts and guide their designs, discovering a universal design principle for copper-based single-atom alloy catalysts. The approach uses machine learning to predict catalyst performance and inspire generalizable design principles.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 26, 2026

Preserving polarization while boosting light from atomically thin semiconductors with silicon nanospheres

Researchers have demonstrated that silicon nanospheres can enhance second-harmonic generation in monolayer transition-metal dichalcogenides while preserving valley-polarization information. The study provides design guidelines for efficient, polarization-preserving nonlinear light sources at the nanoscale.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2026

Plasma and lemon juice: Milder method retrieves nearly 95% of critical minerals in battery waste

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new method to recover nearly all critical minerals from spent lithium-ion batteries, including metals like lithium and graphite. The process uses microwave-induced plasma treatment with room-temperature solvents, resulting in high recovery rates and minimal environmental impact.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2026